Production and Supply of 252Cf, 238Pu and 237Np

Abstract

252Cf, 238Pu and 237Np are important radioisotopes in deep space exploration and nuclear electric power generation. These radionuclides have been mainly imported from overseas, and their supply chains are limited. Supply shortage of the three radionuclides will seriously affect the development of national economy, space technology and national security. It is of great value to get information on the production and supply of the three nuclides in domestic related research fields. The characteristics and applications of 252Cf, 238Pu and 237Np are introduced respectively, and the production and supply of 252Cf, 238Pu and 237Np are summarized. 252Cf and 238Pu are mainly produced in the high neutron flux reactor of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the Russian Institute of Atomic Reactor Research (RIAR). After Cold War, production capacity of the 238Pu was gradually lost in the United States and Russia, which have been resuming production in recent years as isotopic batteries are demanded for deep space exploration missions. As the raw material of 238Pu production, 237Np mainly exists in fission products or high-level radioactive wastes, and 237Np is mainly separated and extracted through the post-treatment process from fission products. In order to ensure the stable operation of domestic reactors and the development of deep space exploration missions, it is suggested to realize the autonomous supply capability of the three strategic nuclides as soon as possible.

Keywords

• 252cf
• 238pu
• 237np
• production and supply
• autonomous supply